Two SEZs under CPEC to be open within current fiscal year: Umar

• The government is expected to perform the groundbreaking of the first SEZ under CPEC by the end of December.

In order to accelerate industrialization and job creation in the country, the government is increasing focus on the development of special economic zones (SEZs) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), informed Minister of Planning, Development and Reform Asad Umar on Friday.

Umar further said that the government is expected to perform the groundbreaking of the first SEZ under CPEC by the end of December. He added adding that another two SEZs will be open within the current fiscal year.

Earlier on Thursday, Umar chaired separate meetings to review the progress on CPEC and PSDP funded projects.

The Minister said that the Ministries and Departments must make sure that they make use of this opportunity and complete their projects on time. He emphasized that effective monitoring and evaluation of the projects, was essential to ensure their smooth and timely implementation.

While chairing the meeting on CPEC, Umar was given a detailed briefing on the completed, on-going and pipeline projects under the bilateral program.

Umar emphasized that in the new phase of CPEC the focus would be on enhancing the economic cooperation whereby business linkages and value chains would be developed, benefiting both sides.

The Minister separately reviewed the progress of various planned SEZs under CPEC.